Ancient India
Q901–Q920 | Indus Valley to Gupta Period
Q901EasyCGL+CHSL
The Great Bath, a remarkable example of ancient urban engineering, was discovered at which Indus Valley site?
AHarappa
BMohenjo-daro
CLothal
DDholavira
Show Answer
✔ B — Mohenjo-daro
The Great Bath is at Mohenjo-daro (in present-day Pakistan). ❌ A(Harappa — granaries), C(Lothal — dockyard), D(Dholavira — unique signboard inscription).
Q902ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
AAdvanced town planning with grid-pattern streets
BUse of iron tools and weapons
CSewage and drainage systems
DUse of standardised weights and measures
Show Answer
✔ B — Use of iron tools and weapons
The Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2600–1900 BCE) was a Bronze Age culture — iron was NOT used. ❌ A,C,D: all confirmed features of the IVC.
Q903ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Vedic period is broadly divided into Early Vedic and Later Vedic. Which text marks the transition?
AAtharvaveda
BRig Veda
CSama Veda
DUpanishads
Show Answer
✔ A — Atharvaveda
The Rig Veda represents the Early Vedic period; the Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas mark the Later Vedic period. The Atharva Veda is associated with the socio-economic transition to later Vedic culture. ❌ B(early Vedic), C,D: different periods.
Q904EasyCGL+CHSL
Who founded the Maurya Empire?
AAshoka
BBindusara
CChandragupta Maurya
DBimbisara
Show Answer
✔ C — Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321 BCE) founded the Maurya Empire with the guidance of Chanakya/Kautilya. ❌ A(Ashoka = Chandragupta's grandson), B(Bindusara = son), D(Bimbisara = Haryanka dynasty, earlier).
Q905ModerateCGL+CHSL
Ashoka's Rock Edicts are written mainly in which script?
ADevanagari
BKharosthi
CBrahmi
DPali
Show Answer
✔ C — Brahmi
Most of Ashoka's edicts use Brahmi script. Kharosthi was used in the northwest (present-day Pakistan/Afghanistan). Pali is a language, not a script. ❌ A,B,D: incorrect or partially correct.
Q906DifficultCGL only
The Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and economic policy, is attributed to:
AAshoka
BKautilya (Chanakya)
CManusmriti's author
DPanini
Show Answer
✔ B — Kautilya (Chanakya)
Kautilya (also called Chanakya or Vishnugupta) wrote the Arthashastra, dealing with governance, economy, and military strategy. ❌ A(Ashoka = edicts), C(Manu = Dharmashastra), D(Panini = Ashtadhyayi grammar).
Q907EasyCGL+CHSL
Which Gupta ruler is known as "Vikramaditya" and is associated with the golden age of Indian culture?
ASamudragupta
BChandragupta I
CChandragupta II
DKumaragupta I
Show Answer
✔ C — Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II (r. 375–415 CE) used the title "Vikramaditya." His reign saw the flourishing of Kalidasa, Aryabhata, and other luminaries. ❌ A(Samudragupta = military conqueror), B(Chandragupta I = founder), D(Kumaragupta I = established Nalanda).
Q908ModerateCGL+CHSL
The concept of "zero" as a placeholder and number was systematically developed in ancient India. Which mathematician is credited with formalising its use?
ABrahmagupta
BAryabhata
CBhaskara II
DVarahamihira
Show Answer
✔ A — Brahmagupta
Brahmagupta (7th century CE) in Brahmasphutasiddhanta defined zero and rules for arithmetic with zero and negative numbers. Aryabhata used a place-value system but Brahmagupta formalised zero as a number. ❌ C,D: different contributions.
Q909ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Ajanta Caves are famous for paintings primarily from which period?
AIndus Valley period
BMaurya period
CGupta and post-Gupta period
DMughal period
Show Answer
✔ C — Gupta and post-Gupta period
Most Ajanta paintings date from the 5th–6th centuries CE (Gupta/Vakataka/post-Gupta periods), depicting Jataka tales. ❌ A,B,D: wrong periods.
Q910DifficultCGL only
The Sangam literature of ancient Tamil Nadu represents texts composed between approximately:
A1500–1200 BCE
B300 BCE – 300 CE
C700–1200 CE
D1200–1700 CE
Show Answer
✔ B — 300 BCE – 300 CE
The Sangam Age (roughly 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) produced the corpus of classical Tamil literature including Tolkappiyam, Purananuru, and Akananuru. ❌ A,C,D: wrong periods.
Q911ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which Indian king defeated Alexander the Great's forces at the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE), even though he lost?
AChandragupta Maurya
BDhanananda
CPorus (Paurava)
DAmbhi of Taxila
Show Answer
✔ C — Porus (Paurava)
King Porus (Paurava) fought Alexander at the Battle of the Hydaspes (Jhelum river) and lost but was treated with respect. ❌ A(Chandragupta ousted Dhanananda after Alexander left), B(Dhanananda = Nanda king), D(Ambhi = allied with Alexander).
Q912EasyCGL+CHSL
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Where did he attain enlightenment?
ASarnath
BBodh Gaya
CKushinagar
DLumbini
Show Answer
✔ B — Bodh Gaya
Under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar). ❌ A(Sarnath = first sermon), C(Kushinagar = Mahaparinirvana/death), D(Lumbini = birthplace).
Q913ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Nalanda University, a celebrated ancient centre of learning, was founded during which dynasty's reign?
AMaurya
BGupta
CPala
DKushana
Show Answer
✔ B — Gupta
Nalanda was established during the Gupta period (5th century CE), most associated with Kumaragupta I. It flourished through the Pala period too. ❌ A,C,D: not the founding dynasty.
Q914DifficultCGL only
The Sangam text Tolkappiyam is primarily a work on:
ATamil martial poetry
BTamil grammar and poetics
CAncient Tamil trade routes
DTamil religious philosophy
Show Answer
✔ B — Tamil grammar and poetics
Tolkappiyam by Tolkappiyar is the oldest surviving Tamil grammar and literary theory text. ❌ A,C,D: not the primary subject.
Q915ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
AMahendravarman I
BNarasimhavarman I
CNarasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
DParamesvaravarman I
Show Answer
✔ C — Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
The Shore Temple (8th century CE) was built by Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II). ❌ A(Mahendravarman I = cave temples, rock-cut), B(Narasimhavarman I = rathas/chariots at Mahabalipuram).
Q916EasyCGL+CHSL
Which ancient text is considered the world's first book on political science and statecraft?
AManusmriti
BArthashastra
CIndica
DMahabharata
Show Answer
✔ B — Arthashastra
Kautilya's Arthashastra (c. 3rd century BCE) is regarded as one of the earliest systematic treatises on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. ❌ A(Manusmriti = law code), C(Indica = Megasthenes' account of India), D(Mahabharata = epic).
Q917DifficultCGL only
The Kushana king Kanishka I is noted for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council. Where was it held?
ARajagriha
BVaishali
CKundalavana, Kashmir
DPataliputra
Show Answer
✔ C — Kundalavana, Kashmir
The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened by Kanishka I at Kundalavana in Kashmir. ❌ A(First Council — Rajagriha), B(Second Council — Vaishali), D(Third Council — Pataliputra under Ashoka).
Q918ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Eightfold Path is a central concept of which religion?
AHinduism
BJainism
CBuddhism
DSikhism
Show Answer
✔ C — Buddhism
The Noble Eightfold Path (right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration) is the Buddhist path to liberation. ❌ A,B,D: different core concepts.
Q919ModerateCGL+CHSL
Aryabhata's text Aryabhatiya is primarily concerned with:
AGrammar and linguistics
BAstronomy and mathematics
CAyurvedic medicine
DPhilosophy and ethics
Show Answer
✔ B — Astronomy and mathematics
Aryabhatiya (499 CE) covers arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, and astronomy — including the approximation of π and the heliocentric concept. ❌ A,C,D: different fields.
Q920EasyCGL+CHSL
The Harappan site of Lothal, known for its ancient dockyard, is located in present-day:
ARajasthan
BGujarat
CPunjab
DSindh (Pakistan)
Show Answer
✔ B — Gujarat
Lothal is located in Gujarat (near Ahmedabad). It had a dockyard that facilitated trade with Mesopotamia. ❌ A,C,D: wrong locations.
Medieval India
Q921–Q935 | Delhi Sultanate · Vijayanagara · Mughal Empire
Q921ModerateCGL+CHSL
Who founded the Delhi Sultanate by establishing the Slave (Mamluk) dynasty?
AIltutmish
BQutb ud-Din Aibak
CBalban
DAlauddin Khalji
Show Answer
✔ B — Qutb ud-Din Aibak
Qutb ud-Din Aibak established the Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE), founding the Mamluk/Slave dynasty. ❌ A(Iltutmish = consolidated and officially recognised the Sultanate), C,D: later rulers.
Q922EasyCGL+CHSL
The Qutb Minar in Delhi was begun by Qutb ud-Din Aibak. Which ruler completed it?
ABalban
BIltutmish
CFiruz Shah Tughlaq
DSher Shah Suri
Show Answer
✔ B — Iltutmish
Qutb ud-Din Aibak began the Qutb Minar; Iltutmish completed it. Firuz Shah Tughlaq later repaired the damaged top storeys. ❌ A,C,D: not the completer.
Q923ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Battle of Panipat (1526) established Mughal rule in India. Who did Babur defeat?
AHemu (Hemchandra Vikramaditya)
BIbrahim Lodi
CRana Sanga
DSher Shah Suri
Show Answer
✔ B — Ibrahim Lodi
The First Battle of Panipat (1526) — Babur vs Ibrahim Lodi (last Lodi sultan). ❌ A(Second Panipat 1556 — Akbar vs Hemu), C(Battle of Khanwa 1527), D(Sher Shah defeated Humayun, not Babur).
Q924DifficultCGL only
Alauddin Khalji introduced market control reforms. His policy of fixing prices of essential commodities is known as:
AZabti system
BMarket regulation (Shahna-i-Mandi)
CDahsala system
DMansabdari system
Show Answer
✔ B — Market regulation (Shahna-i-Mandi)
Alauddin Khalji established four markets (cloth, cattle, horses, grain) and appointed a Shahna (superintendent) to enforce prices. ❌ A(Zabti = Akbar's revenue system), C(Dahsala = Todar Mal's revenue system), D(Mansabdari = Akbar's rank system).
Q925ModerateCGL+CHSL
Akbar's Din-i-Ilahi was:
AA new military recruitment system
BA syncretic religious order blending elements of various faiths
CA land revenue policy
DA code of criminal law
Show Answer
✔ B — A syncretic religious order blending elements of various faiths
Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) was Akbar's syncretic spiritual movement (c. 1582) incorporating elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. ❌ A,C,D: wrong definitions.
Q926ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by:
AKrishnadevaraya
BHarihara I and Bukka Raya I
CDeva Raya II
DTirumal Deva Raya
Show Answer
✔ B — Harihara I and Bukka Raya I
The Sangama brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. ❌ A(Krishnadevaraya = greatest Vijayanagara ruler, 16th c.), C,D: later rulers.
Q927EasyCGL+CHSL
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of:
ANur Jahan
BMumtaz Mahal
CJodha Bai
DRuqaiya Sultan Begum
Show Answer
✔ B — Mumtaz Mahal
Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal (1631–1653) as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. ❌ A(Nur Jahan = Jahangir's wife), C,D: other Mughal queens.
Q928ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which Mughal emperor issued the "Farman of 1717" granting the British East India Company trading privileges in Bengal?
AAurangzeb
BFarrukhsiyar
CBahadur Shah I
DMuhammad Shah
Show Answer
✔ B — Farrukhsiyar
Emperor Farrukhsiyar (r. 1713–1719) issued the farman granting duty-free trade to the British East India Company in Bengal — a pivotal step toward British dominance in India. ❌ A,C,D: different emperors, different events.
Q929DifficultCGL only
Sher Shah Suri's administrative reforms included the Grand Trunk Road. Which route did it connect?
ADelhi to Bombay
BSonargaon (Bengal) to Peshawar
CMadras to Calcutta
DAgra to Kabul
Show Answer
✔ B — Sonargaon (Bengal) to Peshawar
Sher Shah Suri extended and improved the Grand Trunk Road from Sonargaon (Bengal) to Peshawar (northwest frontier). ❌ A,C,D: incorrect routes.
Q930ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Bhakti movement poet-saint Kabir Das was known for:
AComposing devotional hymns in Sanskrit
BReconciling Hindu and Islamic spiritual traditions through vernacular poetry
CAdvocating idol worship and temple rituals
DEstablishing the Sikh faith
Show Answer
✔ B — Reconciling Hindu and Islamic spiritual traditions through vernacular poetry
Kabir Das (15th c.) rejected caste and ritual, composing dohas (couplets) in Hindi/Braj attacking empty ritual in both Hinduism and Islam while celebrating one formless divine. ❌ A(Hindi, not Sanskrit), C(rejected idols), D(Guru Nanak founded Sikhism).
Q931ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Battle of Talikota (1565) effectively ended the Vijayanagara Empire. Which Deccani sultanates were allied against Vijayanagara?
AOnly Bijapur
BBidar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar
CMughal forces from Delhi
DPortuguese and Bijapur combined
Show Answer
✔ B — Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar
The four Deccani Sultanates — Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar — allied and defeated Vijayanagara at Talikota, sacking Hampi. ❌ A,C,D: incorrect alliances.
Q932EasyCGL+CHSL
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, was born in:
AAmritsar
BTalwandi (Nankana Sahib)
CAnandpur Sahib
DLahore
Show Answer
✔ B — Talwandi (Nankana Sahib)
Guru Nanak was born in 1469 at Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan. ❌ A,C,D: associated with later Sikh history but not birthplace.
Q933DifficultCGL only
Akbar's Mansabdari system ranked mansabdars on the basis of:
ALand grants (jagirs) only
BA dual rank of Zat (personal rank) and Sawar (cavalry rank)
CTribal affiliation and birth
DAnnual tax collection targets
Show Answer
✔ B — A dual rank of Zat (personal rank) and Sawar (cavalry rank)
The Mansabdari system used Zat (personal status, salary) and Sawar (number of cavalry a mansabdar must maintain). ❌ A,C,D: incorrect descriptions.
Q934ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Chola king Rajendra Chola I (11th century) launched a naval expedition that reached:
AArabia and Persia
BSoutheast Asia (Srivijaya empire)
CEast Africa
DChina directly
Show Answer
✔ B — Southeast Asia (Srivijaya empire)
Rajendra Chola I launched a famous naval campaign (c. 1025 CE) against the Srivijaya empire (present-day Malaysia/Indonesia/Sumatra), asserting Chola naval supremacy across the Indian Ocean. ❌ A,C,D: not the expedition's target.
Q935ModerateCGL+CHSL
Aurangzeb's imposition of jizya in 1679 was:
AA tax on Muslims for military service
BA tax on non-Muslims (mainly Hindus) that had been abolished by Akbar
CA land revenue assessment
DA customs duty on foreign traders
Show Answer
✔ B — A tax on non-Muslims (mainly Hindus) that had been abolished by Akbar
Jizya = poll tax on non-Muslims. Akbar abolished it in 1564; Aurangzeb reinstated it in 1679, signalling the reversal of Akbar's tolerant policies. ❌ A,C,D: wrong definitions.
Modern India
Q936–Q950 | British Colonial Period to Independence
Q936ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Battle of Plassey (1757) was fought between:
ABritish East India Company and Hyder Ali
BBritish East India Company and Siraj ud-Daulah (Nawab of Bengal)
CBritish and Maratha Confederacy
DBritish and Tipu Sultan
Show Answer
✔ B — British East India Company and Siraj ud-Daulah
Robert Clive defeated Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah at Plassey (1757), establishing British dominance in Bengal. ❌ A,C,D: different battles.
Q937EasyCGL+CHSL
The Revolt of 1857 began at which cantonment?
ALucknow
BMeerut
CKanpur
DJhansi
Show Answer
✔ B — Meerut
The Revolt of 1857 (First War of Independence / Sepoy Mutiny) broke out at Meerut on 10 May 1857. ❌ A,C,D: major centres of the revolt but not the starting point.
Q938ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Partition of Bengal (1905) was ordered by which Viceroy?
ALord Dufferin
BLord Curzon
CLord Minto
DLord Ripon
Show Answer
✔ B — Lord Curzon
Viceroy Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905, dividing it along communal lines and sparking the Swadeshi Movement. ❌ A,C,D: different viceroys, different events.
Q939DifficultCGL only
The Rowlatt Act (1919) empowered the British government to:
ADevolve legislative powers to provincial governments
BDetain political suspects without trial for up to two years
CGrant separate electorates to Muslims
DAbolish the civil service examination for Indians
Show Answer
✔ B — Detain political suspects without trial for up to two years
The Rowlatt Act (also called the Black Act) allowed detention without trial, suppressing political activity. It triggered Gandhi's first nationwide non-cooperation campaign. ❌ A,C,D: different acts/policies.
Q940ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April 1919) was carried out by orders of:
ALord Chelmsford
BGeneral Dyer
CLord Reading
DLord Wavell
Show Answer
✔ B — General Dyer
Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on unarmed civilians at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, killing hundreds. ❌ A(Chelmsford = Viceroy at the time), C,D: later viceroys.
Q941AdvancedCGL only
The Poona Pact (1932) was an agreement between Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar regarding:
AThe transfer of power from Britain to India
BRepresentation of Scheduled Castes (Dalits) within a joint Hindu electorate
CSeparate Muslim electorates in the Central Legislature
DThe creation of a separate province for Dalits
Show Answer
✔ B — Representation of Scheduled Castes (Dalits) within a joint Hindu electorate
The British Communal Award gave Dalits separate electorates; Gandhi fasted in protest. Ambedkar agreed to the Poona Pact — more reserved seats for Dalits within a joint Hindu electorate. ❌ A,C,D: incorrect context.
Q942ModerateCGL+CHSL
Subhas Chandra Bose established the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British rule. Which country helped him reorganise it?
AGermany
BJapan
CItaly
DSoviet Union
Show Answer
✔ B — Japan
Subhas Chandra Bose reorganised the INA (Azad Hind Fauj) in Southeast Asia with Japanese support in 1943. ❌ A,C,D: Germany and Italy were earlier contacts; Soviet Union had no role in the INA.
Q943EasyCGL+CHSL
Who gave the slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it"?
AMahatma Gandhi
BBal Gangadhar Tilak
CJawaharlal Nehru
DLala Lajpat Rai
Show Answer
✔ B — Bal Gangadhar Tilak
"Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" — famous slogan of Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Lokmanya Tilak). ❌ A,C,D: associated with different slogans.
Q944ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) of 1930 covered a distance of approximately:
A78 miles (125 km)
B241 miles (388 km)
C50 miles (80 km)
D400 miles (644 km)
Show Answer
✔ B — 241 miles (388 km)
Gandhi led the Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) to Dandi (coastal Gujarat), a distance of approximately 241 miles (388 km), taking 24 days (12 March – 5 April 1930). ❌ A,C,D: incorrect distances.
Q945DifficultCGL only
The Indian Independence Act, 1947, was passed by the British Parliament on:
A15 August 1947
B18 July 1947
C3 June 1947
D26 January 1947
Show Answer
✔ B — 18 July 1947
The Indian Independence Act 1947 received Royal Assent on 18 July 1947. India became independent on 15 August 1947. The Mountbatten Plan was announced on 3 June 1947. ❌ A(Independence Day), C(Mountbatten Plan), D(not a relevant date).
Q946ModerateCGL+CHSL
The "Drain of Wealth" theory, arguing that British policies transferred Indian wealth to Britain, was propounded by:
ARaja Ram Mohan Roy
BDadabhai Naoroji
CGopal Krishna Gokhale
DBal Gangadhar Tilak
Show Answer
✔ B — Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji (the "Grand Old Man of India") articulated the Drain of Wealth theory in his work "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India" (1901). ❌ A,C,D: social/political reformers, different contributions.
Q947ModerateCGL+CHSL
The "Simon Commission" (1927) was boycotted by Indian political parties because:
AIt proposed full independence immediately
BIt had no Indian member in the commission
CIt was appointed by a Congress government
DIt proposed abolishing the Indian Civil Service
Show Answer
✔ B — It had no Indian member in the commission
The Simon Commission to review constitutional reforms had seven British members and no Indians — seen as an insult to Indian political aspirations, triggering nationwide protests ("Go Back Simon"). ❌ A,C,D: incorrect.
Q948EasyCGL+CHSL
India's constitution-making body, the Constituent Assembly, was chaired (as President) by:
AJawaharlal Nehru
BB.R. Ambedkar
CDr Rajendra Prasad
DSardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Show Answer
✔ C — Dr Rajendra Prasad
Dr Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. ❌ A,B,D: different roles.
Q949DifficultCGL only
The Regulating Act of 1773 was significant because it:
ATransferred control of India to the British Crown directly
BWas the first step by the British Parliament to regulate and oversee the East India Company's affairs in India
CAbolished the East India Company entirely
DCreated the position of Viceroy of India
Show Answer
✔ B — First step by British Parliament to regulate and oversee the East India Company's affairs in India
The Regulating Act 1773 was the first Parliamentary legislation to regulate the EIC, creating a Governor-General (Warren Hastings) and a Supreme Court in Calcutta. ❌ A(Crown rule came after 1857), C(EIC lasted until 1858), D(Viceroy title came in 1858).
Q950AdvancedCGL only
The Nehru Report (1928) was significant because it was:
AThe first proposal for partition of India along religious lines
BIndia's first attempt to draft a constitutional framework by Indians themselves
CThe blueprint for the Indian Independence Act of 1947
DA response to the Simon Commission proposing separate electorates for all minorities
Show Answer
✔ B — India's first attempt to draft a constitutional framework by Indians themselves
The Nehru Report (chaired by Motilal Nehru) was the first major Indian initiative to frame a constitutional document — proposing dominion status, fundamental rights, and a federal structure. ❌ A(it rejected separate electorates), C(not directly), D(it actually rejected separate electorates for minorities).